Are Pickles Keto? Guide + Keto Pickles Recipe | Wholesome Yum (2024)

Pickles on keto… yes or not? This post has the answers to ALL of your questions about keto pickles. Are pickles keto? How many carbs in pickles? How do you make homemade pickles?

I’ve seen so many questions about pickles from readers, that I decided to create a guide to help you navigate pickles on keto, as well as a keto friendly homemade pickle recipe so that you can easily make make your own pickles!

Are Pickles Keto Friendly?

Yes, pickles are keto friendly! That is, as long as you choose the right kind of pickles.

Certain varieties contain added sugar or corn syrup that will bump up the carbs, and often have preservatives or artificial colors… so make sure you know what goes in your keto pickles.

Are pickles good for you?

Pickles on keto are a smart food choice. Since they contain a significant amount of sodium, you can use them to help avoid keto flu. Fermented pickles with raw apple cider vinegar also support your gut health by encouraging more “good” bacteria to grow.

How Many Carbs In Pickles?

The number of carbs in pickles varies depending on the variety. Some are more keto friendly than others, as you’ll see below.

How many carbs in dill pickles?

These keto pickles have some of the best macros. A single medium dill pickle contains 1.6 grams of total carbs and 0.9 grams of net carbs [*].

How many carbs in fried pickles?

Since conventional fried pickles typically cook up with flour or cornmeal, they are high in carbs. Depending on where you get them, they can contain up to 60 grams of net carbs per serving [*].

TIP: Try these keto fried pickles instead, to cut down on carbs!

How many carbs in bread and butter pickles?

Since bread and butter pickles contain added sugar, they are not very keto friendly. A single pickle chip contains 1.6 grams of total carbs and 1.5 grams of net carbs[*], so you’ll max out your macros much faster.

If you pay close attention to serving sizes, you could still make these pickles a dirty keto option.

How many carbs in pickle juice?

A good pickle juice is only as good as the pickles that went in it! Check labels when you buy pre-made pickle juice: A good brand should have 0-1 grams of net carbs per 1-ounce serving.

So, Can You Have Pickles On Keto?

Yes, you can have pickles on keto! Read your labels carefully and avoid sweet varieties to keep carbs in check.

Or even better, just make your own homemade keto pickles, so you know exactly what’s in them!

Keto Pickle Ingredients

To make your own homemade sugar-free pickles, you’ll need:

• Cucumbers
• Garlic
• Fresh dill
• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – This natural sugar replacement is the key to making keto friendly sweet pickles!
• Apple cider vinegar
• Water
• Sea salt
• Red pepper flakes
• Black peppercorns

How To Make Keto Pickles

These easy homemade pickles take just 15 minutes to make, and a day or two in the refrigerator to chill. Here’s how to make them:

• Slice cucumbers. Remove the ends of cucumbers and slice into 1/4-inch slices.

• Prep pickle jars. Add cucumbers, dill, and garlic to a pint sized mason jar.

• Make pickling liquid. In a small saucepan, simmer vinegar, water, Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener, salt, red pepper flakes, and peppercorns for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

• Assemble. Pour cooled liquid over the cucumbers, leaving 1/2 inch at the top. Cover and shake a few times to distribute flavors.

• Chill. Place the low carb pickles in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Shake before opening and enjoy!

Keto Friendly Pickle FAQs

What kinds of cucumbers can I use?

The best cucumbers for keto pickles are pickling cucumbers, which are small in size and have thinner skins, crunchy texture, and smaller seeds. However, any kind of cucumbers you have should work just fine.

Can you use a different sweetener?

The only sweeteners I recommend for this keto pickle recipe are Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (as written on the recipe card) or Wholesome Yum Powdered Allulose (use 1.5 times the amount if you use this!).

Other sweeteners will not dissolve as well, or have other issues such as crystallization in the fridge.

Can you omit the sweetener?

Yes, you can, but I recommend including it. It balances out the flavors. You can get Besti for this recipe here.

Can you use different vinegar?

Yes. I used apple cider vinegar for flavor and the many benefits, but white vinegar will also work just fine.

Can you make whole pickles or spears?

Absolutely! Feel free to make whole refrigerator pickles, or cut them into spears. I like the versatility of slices – great for snacking and also awesome on some juicy burgers.

How To Store Homemade Pickles

Store this keto pickle recipe in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Can you make keto pickles ahead?

Yes, you can and you should, because they need 1-2 days in the refrigerator before they are ready to eat.

Do pickles go bad?

Yes. Because these are quick, refrigerator pickles, they are not actually preserved, and are meant to eat fresh. They’ll last about a week in the fridge, but you can also freeze them…

Can you freeze pickles?

Yes, you can freeze DIY pickles! Store them in a freezer container for up to a year! Let them thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.

• Wide-mouth jars – These are the perfect size and shape for making your own pickles.
• Saucepan – I use this one for everything. It heats very well and evenly.